Paramatma (परमात्मा)

The Supreme Soul is Shri Krishna's majestic form, MahaVishnu, who pervades creation and dwells within living beings.

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Paramatma (परमात्मा)

Paramatma (परमात्मा | paramātmā) literally means the Supreme Soul.

Paramatma is an all-majestic Divine form of Shri Krishna, commonly known as MahaVishnu (महाविष्णु | mahāviṣṇu).

The Sakar Form of Paramatma

In His Sakar (personal) form, MahaVishnu possesses:

  • Naam (नाम) — Divine name
  • Roop (रूप) — Divine form
  • Guna (गुण) — Divine qualities
  • Dham (धाम) — Divine abode

His eternal abode is Vaikunth (वैकुण्ठ | vaikuṇṭha).

In this aspect, MahaVishnu does not reveal Leela (लीला) (Divine pastimes) or Parikar (परिकर) (Divine associates).

The Nirakar Form of Paramatma

Paramatma also pervades creation in His Nirakar (formless) form.

This all-pervading presence is revealed through three forms of MahaVishnu:

Scope of Pervasion Form of MahaVishnu Meaning
Samashti Brahmand
(समष्टि ब्रह्मांड में व्याप्त)		 Karanarnavashayi MahaVishnu
(कार्णार्णवशायी महाविष्णु)		 Pervades all brahmands collectively.
Vyashti Brahmand
(व्यष्टि ब्रह्मांड में व्याप्त)		 Garbhodashayi MahaVishnu
(गर्भोदशायी महाविष्णु)		 Pervades an individual brahmand.
Jeevatma
(जीवात्मा में व्याप्त)		 Kshirodashayi MahaVishnu
(क्षीरोदशायी महाविष्णु)		 Resides within every Jeevatma, in the hearts of all living beings.

Kshirodashayi MahaVishnu is the indwelling witness who specifically observes and records the thoughts and actions of human beings.

Paramatma's Nirakar pervasion should not be confused with Nirakar Brahm, the distinct impersonal aspect of the Supreme Lord.

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